What do you like about tai chi ?

I like the way it helps me to balance and how it looks like a lovely flowing dance. And then you speed it up a bit and HIYYYA the enemy is conquered.

When Taijiquan (the official way to spell Tai Chi Chuan) is taught correctly it encompasses an immense spectrum of benefits including balance, endurance, flexibility, muscle strengthening, coordination, martial arts and self defense, and overall well-being. The slow flowing movements are necessary to instill proper body mechanics and are an excellent meditative practice. The faster forms put these lessons into real time and are also meditative in a different way. The weapons add a historical reference to the battle field roots of Taijiquan and allow the student to extend their practice beyond their bodies. The push hands and other partner drills and exercises allow martial applications and further understanding of sensitivity and structure. The art is also a path to personal development and discovery of the Self. In all, I enjoy everything that this art has to offer.

a lot of benefits are available in Tai-Chi,relaxation. one comment on this board likened it to karate, incorrect assumption,information,Tai-Chipredate karate by several centurys. A lot of people have developed the conception that its just for health,not true it is a fighting art in its own right ,developing important skills , balance,correct breathing,timing,co-ordination,delivery of real power. what more do you need

1) Taijiquan is a system of fighting. It's not only a set of techniques, but also a fight strategy that concentrates on certain phases of combat and a set of skills that work within that phase. This is not unusual -- BJJ has the same properties, though it focuses on a different phase of combat, and thus a different set of techniques.

2) The techniques of taiji are focused on (more or less) dirty boxing and standing grappling -- elbows, knees, punches, palm slaps, and, most of all, nasty throws pulled from shuai jiao. There are very few kicking techniques in the system, most of which are low kicks (knee level and lower) used as entrances to reach the clinch, or as trips when closer. Although kicks are scarce, there are a great number of kick catches in the system, presumably because other systems that involve kicking were common at the time of taiji's development.

3)The taiji fight strategy is to either preemptively close the distance to clinch range with a low-line kick, trip, step (footwork) or grab, or more often, to employ a "counter-punching" approach -- i.e. wait for him to attack, then attack/enter via the opening he leaves. Once in the clinch, strikes, kuzushi and throws are used to pound and sledge the opponent.

4) The experience of hundreds of years has shown that practicing Taiji can improve ones health, reduce tension, and cure a number of diseases such as high blood pressure, arthritis, asthma, stomach ailments, heart problems and nervousness. The same techniques that were capable of developing internal Qi for martial arts combat, also proved to be effective as life prolonging, healing, and rejuvenating exercises. Today, Taiji is best known by the millions of participants around the world for its health benefits.

5) Pushing Hands is fun!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m2iSZ80-p...

I like to use it to add to my daily stretch, Add deep breathing and you have a great low impact workout for first thing in the morning. I get a good jolt of energy from this in the morning.

I like how if something is complicated it has an added element of importance - if it beneits health were is the proof? how did this research? and just a little slow for my tastes

I like the total body mass power that one can generate with the footwork. I view the relaxation/health aspects as secondary benefits.

Ilike the way my friend won silver in the chapionships for something called "pushing hands" how cool!

Yes I like how when the moves are speeded up they are actually crippling karate moves.

for me it is too slow moving I have watch it and all but I start falling asleep watching it

you are lightning fast in your world of medetation but you seem slow and relaxed to others.

It helps you relax.